Asking for video?

[Michele1348]

The other day I had a potential guest (they had not booked the room) ask if they could send a friend to take video of my place so they could "get the vibe" of my place before they booked it.  

My response was No but, if you book the room then we speak and  I can do a FaceTime.  But really I was like WHAT??  How could a stranger who I know NOTHING ABOUT ask me to have another stranger come into my house and take video of my home?  I almost said yes, if I can have a friend of mine come to  take video of you.   🙂    Has anyone else had this request?   Is this normal?  

I have felt the landscape of Airbnb changing but, this is a new one.   I know many people are renting out their whole place so people seem to be open to what I deem improper request.  ESPECIALLY since as a HOST WE KNOW NOTHING about the guests before they book the place.    

I started using Airbnb when it was more about cultural exchange and international visitors coming to my home.  They had reviews, I knew the country they were from etc.  Now with the new landscape and people just coming to the community,  

How do I as a host get to know something about the person who will be visiting and living in my home?  

I feel like there should be more information shared upfront  - just like the reviews.     

[Suzanne302]

@Michele1348  Agree with others to always keep communication with new guests on ABB messaging. And as for a video request, just no.

"No, it is not possible to do a video walk through of my apartment. All the details you need should be in the listing description and photos. If you have additional questions about the space after viewing the photos, I'm happy to answer those."

[Kitty-and-Creek0]

@Suzanne302 
Almost verbatim the response I give to anyone wanting a preview!

[Christine615]

My answer is a firm no! Photos on your listing are sufficient. There’s so much fraud I’m now wondering if your guest is OCD or casing the place for theft.

Either way Airbnb is attracting a lot of Uber demanding low quality guests to the platform sho don’t understand that for most of us, these are private homes not sterile absentee investor homes

Send a stranger to film your place doesn’t give you any protection during a theft or assault. 

Decline the guest as inappropriate for your place and tell Airbnb they make you uncomfortable as the reason.

[Laura2592]

@Michele1348 totally inappropriate.

We do photo shoots with local photographers at our space (it lends itself nicely to family and engagement portraits) so I have had people ask if they can scope it out before their session. I have never had a guest ask for a video and I have had some interesting requests. I would wonder why they would need one unless they were trying to do some kind of social media photoshoot. I agree with others that there is no reason to allow a stranger into your space if there has not been a booked request/contract for a stay. Just say no!

[Osama12]

Hello,

I suggest that Airbnb allows hosts to add videos to their listings. This action helps potential guests to book what they need.

[Cathie19]

@Michele1348 . Make your descriptions within your listing detailed and ensure all images are extensive for the spaces that are private and maybe the bathroom etc. some shared common areas such as a garden setting or some kitchen / laundry facilities if they are allowed to cook or launder. Otherwise all other areas are out of bounds.. They can be described, but images not compulsory at all….. 

if anyone asks for such a request, just state you are happy to answer any questions that have not been covered in the photos, description or house rules…..

[Cheston0]

I just had an international guest request me to send a video before booking.  I replied that pictures are in the ad.  The guest responded again with the request but before I coukd respond airbnb intervened, stopped the messages and removed the guest from the platform for violating their code of conduct.  So if you receive this type of request it should be reported to airbnb but they apparently already monitor.

[Michele1348]

I had the exact same experience.  I did not report it, just said NO.   There is definitely a new element in the Airbnb community and we need to be aware and careful.   I've had people who refuse to give details of their visit; people who ask for my address; and people who ask for video.  I've also had people who once they are here, want to video my home and put it on Social Media.  I now have to tell people this is an invasion of my privacy and not allowed.  This is generally a first-time visitor to NY and they are just excited.  But I've had to learn to be mindful.  As part of my process now, once I've approved their booking, I immediately ask for proof of their travel and/or confirmation of their internship.  No one has complained.  

I hope this helps.